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Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Bellingham, WA

Yes, Bellingham, WA is a highly lucrative market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. With an average annual salary of $77,540, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm. Notably, Bellingham, WA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.27x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $77,540 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,850.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Bellingham, WA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$77,540

The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Bellingham, WA earns+28.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$37.3

Weekly

$1,491

Monthly

$6,462

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Bellingham, WA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $62,240, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $98,850.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$62,240$29.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$58,155$28
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$78,690$37.8
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$96,925$46.6
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,850$47.5

Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$77,540

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$77,540

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Bellingham, WA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $77,540 to $77,540.

Job Market Context

100

Total Jobs

1.045

Per 1K Jobs

1.27

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.27, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles compared to the national norm.

100 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Bellingham, WA.

1.045 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions — a typical concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Bellingham, WA is $77,540. This typically ranges from $62,240 for entry-level positions to $98,850 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 28.6% higher than the national median of $60,280.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?

Yes, Bellingham, WA is an excellent location for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($77,540) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($80,780) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 1.045 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.